4.3
(247)
1,816
hikers
96
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Kirkby Thore are set within a diverse landscape, offering access to both the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the broader Lake District region. The terrain features glaciated valleys, fells, and unique limestone formations, providing varied hiking experiences. Public footpaths and bridleways traverse the area, including sections of the Pennine Way.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.7
(3)
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
19
hikers
5.92km
01:35
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
18
hikers
5.69km
01:54
260m
260m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
13
hikers
4.40km
01:10
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
7
hikers
4.81km
01:15
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This wood was taken on by the Woodland Trust in 1980 and is one of the few remaining north-west outposts for the native red squirrel
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Dufton Pike is a super nice hill and a UK designated P100, a hill with a 100 metres of prominence. The views from the top looking up towards Backstone Edge is super nice. It is a nice short, sharp pull to get to the top, but well worth it. The top has an unmarked summit.
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This peak, with an altitude of 481 metres (1,578 ft), is considered a Marilyn, which are hills with a prominence greater than 150 metres. The easiest way to reach it is from the village of Dufton.
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This peak, with an altitude of 481 metres (1,578 ft), is considered a Marilyn, which are hills with a prominence greater than 150 metres. The easiest way to reach it is from the village of Dufton.
0
1
This peak, with an altitude of 481 metres (1,578 ft), is considered a Marilyn, which are hills with a prominence greater than 150 metres. The easiest way to reach it is from the village of Dufton.
2
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Nice local café serving breakfast, drinks, sandwiches, cakes and snacks. Open Mon to Fri 10:00 - 16:00 but closed on Thursdays. Open Sat and Sun 10:00 -17:00. Seasonal opening, closed over the winter months.
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There are over 40 easy hiking trails around Kirkby Thore, offering a variety of routes through diverse landscapes. In total, the area features nearly 100 hiking routes across all difficulty levels.
Easy hikes around Kirkby Thore feature a mix of glaciated valleys, fells, and unique limestone landscapes. You'll find public footpaths and bridleways, including sections of the renowned Pennine Way, offering varied and accessible terrain.
Yes, many easy routes around Kirkby Thore are circular. For example, you can explore the local village and its surroundings on the Dufton Ghyll Wood – Dufton Ghyll loop from Dufton, which is an easy 4.3 km path.
While many of the dramatic viewpoints like Cross Fell Summit require more challenging hikes, easy trails still offer scenic beauty. You can enjoy views of the fells and local landscapes. The region is known for its glaciated valleys and unique geological formations, such as those found at Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve, which features a distinctive limestone landscape.
Yes, the area around Kirkby Thore has several historical sites. You might consider visiting Lowther Castle, which features dramatic ruins and gardens, or explore the area near Brougham Hall. While not directly on an easy trail, these are notable attractions in the vicinity.
The easy trails in Kirkby Thore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain and the accessibility of routes that showcase the region's natural beauty.
Yes, some easy routes incorporate water features. The Ousenstand Bridge loop from Temple Sowerby is an easy 4.8 km route that follows the River Eden, offering pleasant riverside walking.
Easy hikes around Kirkby Thore typically range from just over an hour to around two hours. For instance, the Dufton Ghyll Wood – Dufton Ghyll loop from Dufton can be completed in about 1 hour 9 minutes, while the Ousenstand Bridge loop from Temple Sowerby takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families due to their manageable distances and minimal elevation gain. Routes that explore local villages and riverbanks, such as the Ousenstand Bridge loop from Temple Sowerby, are generally good options for a family outing.
Yes, even easy trails provide glimpses of the surrounding fells. The area around Dufton, for example, offers routes like the View of Dufton Pike – Dufton Pike loop from Dufton, which, despite its name, is an easy 5.7 km trail that allows you to appreciate the lower slopes and views of Dufton Pike.
The best time to enjoy easy hikes in Kirkby Thore is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and paths are less likely to be muddy or icy. The diverse landscapes, from fells to river valleys, offer different charms throughout these seasons.
While popular routes can see more foot traffic, exploring some of the lesser-known village loops or river walks can offer a quieter experience. The region has many public footpaths, so you can often find peaceful sections away from the main trails.


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